It's the Cornish dining sensation that has taken not just the county but the whole country by storm.

The Hidden Hut was once described as Cornwall's best kept secret but those days are gone - last year a whopping 22,000 people attempted to buy just 600 tickets for its summer feast nights.

All the tickets sold out in a breathtaking eight seconds. Yes, eight seconds - that's faster than tickets for a Beyoncé tour.

Tucked away down a windy path, perched on top of a small clifftop overlooking one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches and almost completely hidden from view, sits The Hidden Hut, which is now Cornwall’s worst kept secret.

Simon Stallard's new cookbook and a selection of its gorgeous recipes

Simon Stallard and partner Jemma Glass, who have just had their second child, bought the old beach kiosk on Porthcurnick Beach less than eight years ago, but have already turned it into a critically acclaimed foodie favourite and one of the country’s top restaurants, with a huge cult following including everyone from Dame Judi Dench to Ben Fogle ... and almost every food lover in Cornwall.

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Now, the success has bred a burgeoning empire - this week Simon has seen his first recipe book published by Harper Collins, their coffee shop in nearby Portscatho boasts possibly the best café view anywhere in the world and a new restaurant, Tatams Taverna, is proving to be another must-visit destination on the Roseland.

You can watch Simon talking us through all the Hidden Hut developments in the video above, as he cooks some of his signature dishes.

The Hidden Hut Cookbookis a beautifully designed collection of recipes, from the oceans, field and clifftops of Kernow.

The famous Hidden Hut - no longer a secret but still a gem

Simon told Cornwall Live: "So many of our customers ask us for our recipes and I often scribble them down for people, so when I was approached by a literary agent, it seemed the perfect time to write a cookbook.

"I didn't realise it would be such hard work especially with opening Tatams and having a new baby too!"

There are the recipes that made them famous – the chowders (from their famous Soup Sundays), the ultimate Cornish pasty, their 12-hour lamb and smoked aubergine, and everything you need to know about cooking with fire.

There's even a recipe dedicated to our sister newspaper – West Briton crab claws with lemon and garlic broth. As Simon says in the book, "a fabulously messy thing to eat, these claws are served on a thick base of newspaper, the West Briton is particularly good".

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The Hidden Hut Cookbookwill show you how to recreate their incredible banquets at home, whether you’re cooking for four or 40, indoors or outdoors, on a windswept beach over a fire pit or in your back garden with the barbecue.

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Their famous feasts on the beach (where Simon cooks through storms, cliff erosions, local sardine shortages, whatever the weather) – have been announced for May. If you missed out, look out for June's which go on sale on the first of the month.

The Hidden Hut feast nights

JUNE – On sale June 1 at noon

Wednesday, June 13, 7pm: Lobster & Chips, £25

Cornish lobsters delivered dreckly by the fishermen. Cooked on the wood-fired grill and served with rosemary salted hand-cut chips.

Saturday, June 23, 7pm: South Indian Vegetable Thali (v) £14

A Keralan curry feast with recipes collected from Simon’s travels. A thali consists of lots of small dishes based on seasonal vegetables and pulses, with many flavours, so there’s something for everyone. An ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans.

JULY – On sale July 1 at noon

Tuesday, July 3, 7pm: Rotisserie Duck £16

Duck roasted on the wood-fired rotisserie with whole beetroots baked in the coals. Served with straw fries, salad greens and a burnt orange dressing.

Friday, July 13, 7pm: Shells & Claws £16

A big ladle of hot smokey shellfish and crab claws. Cooked over hot coals and finished in a garlic white wine broth. They cover the tables in newspaper and serve with a pick, hammer and freshly-baked crusty bread. This one requires you to bring a bowl rather than a plate.

A plentiful celebration of seasonal vegetables. Marinated then charred on the wood-fired grill. Served with a variety of Middle-Eastern salads, breads and sides. An ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans.

AUGUST – On sale August 1 at noon

Tuesday, August 7, 7pm: 12hr Greek Lamb £17

Lamb shoulder slow-roasted over wood coals in burnt lemon, saffron, garlic and tomatoes. Served with new potatoes, green bean caper salad and tzadziki.

Monday, August 13, 7pm: Rotisserie Chicken £15

Half chickens marinated in orange and rosemary then gently spit-roasted over wood coals. Hand-cut chips crisped-up in the roasting juices. Served with watercress and garlic aioli.

Wednesday, August 29, 7pm: Seafood Paella £13

Cornish seafood paella cooked gently over beech fire. There will also be a pan of vegetable paella alongside, so a good choice for vegetarians.

Remember, though, that the Hut isn't just about the feasts. It's a great place to watch the early morning sun with a coffee or enjoy a lunch while walking the coast.

It's hugely popular on Tripadvisor with comments like "the best beach fun with our clothes on", "the best beach restaurant in the UK" and, simply, "wow!".

A seafood feast at the Hidden Hut

However, if you want to try something new head to nearby Portscatho and Tatams coffee shop (a Portuguese custard tart is a must) and its stunning view or the recently-opened wood-fired taverna opposite.

Everything is packed to take away, so you can sit on nearby Tatams beach, but you're also welcome to stay and eat in. Seating is on two long communal tables and is open to all. There is a bottle license but you're free to bring your own booze.

There are no reservations, starters or desserts, just beautifully cooked boxes of sticky ribs (the best I've ever tasted), wood-roasted chicken, mussels and pizzas.

Simon said: "It's a very laidback, Cornish vibe. Just turn up and enjoy some good food in a relaxed atmosphere. Tatams is all about socialising and simplicity."